The original Rebel Yell Whiskey was made by the W. L. Weller & Sons company. And though that distillery popped into existence in 1849, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that they started bottling American Whiskies under the Rebel Yell brand. The formula and branding were actually created by a character named Charles R. Farnsley — who served as both Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, and as a Congressman… politicians and alcohol, right?

Anyway, the name was passed around from company to company for a bit. But throughout its entire history Rebel Yell has been consistently garnering awards and winning over a loyal group of fans going all the way back a “Certificate of Distinction” from the Centennial Exposition of Paris in 1900. Since the early 1980s, the label has been lovingly attended to by American Whiskey-lover David Sherman’s beverage company, Luxco. They have six core Whiskies in their line up and you should try them all.

The story goes that Billy Idol was doing shots with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones fame at a party. Keith Richards just loved him some hard liquor and he was fond of Rebel Yell — he’s the one who brought the bottle. Billy liked the name and asked the gents if he could borrow it for a song title. If you are a music fan like we are, that’s reason enough to buy it right there.

But Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye Whiskey is a real solid spirit — chock-full of flavor and spice. But it’s not “punch you in the face with pepper” spice like a lot of Johnny-come-lately brands. It’s more like “kissing a southern girl wearing cinnamon lip gloss” kind of spicy. And at a healthy 45% ABV, we think that this little rebel will make one heck of a bodacious Manhattan.

Rye Whiskey Small Batch

(0.75l, 45%)

Very Smooth with a nice finish. And for the price hard to beat. Do wish the rye was a little more pronounced.

Chris,
May 13, 2017

Very good especially for the price! High on my list.

Kevin,
Apr 15, 2017

Surprisingly good, on my Top Shelf

Kyle,
Apr 14, 2017

You have to be a whiskey drinker to appreciate this, I can understand why Billy Idol wrote the song now. I will be purchasing more.

Jose,
Apr 1, 2017

Very smooth nice finish I like a good rye and the price is just right

Kevin,
Mar 9, 2017

I never received the bottle because the GSO Company left the sticky notice on my window and not my front door so I didn't see it until after the GSO employee called to let me know that I had one day left until the bottle was going to be sent back and I was not going to be there all day and didn't have time to call her back. I still want what I have paid for and am looking for a peaceful resolution.

Greg,
Feb 10, 2017

Great price point for the value!

Robert,
Jan 20, 2017

Smooth all around and on the finish. This is my favorite Rye. Delicious!

Dan,
Oct 28, 2016

Excellent! Cannot beat it for the price. Nice spicy rye flavors with some sweetness. Will definitely buy again.